ITV has confirmed that they are launching a new talent show to cast the lead roles in ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre in London.
The news was originally rumoured way back in September.
Titled Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, the TV entertainment show will see hopefuls from around the UK compete for the roles of Sophie and Sky in the hit West End musical.
The 8 part series for ITV1 is produced by Fremantle company Thames, who also produce The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
The series will be set on a Greek Island, to recreate the setting of the actual show, and ITV has said that throughout the series “musical theatre hopefuls will be put through their paces as they navigate their way through challenges, masterclasses, and performances, mentored by guest industry stars”.
The competition will culminate in a live grand-finale, broadcast from a theatre in London’s West End, where two winners will win the roles of Sophie and Sky in the musical.
The show resurrects a similar format used by past BBC talent shows that searched for West End stars, including Any Dream Will Do casting for Joseph, I’d Do Anything casting for Oliver! and Over The Rainbow, casting for The Wizard of Oz.
Mamma Mia! in the West End recently saw a new cast join the show including Meg Hateley – daughter of West End star Linzi Hateley (Mamma Mia!, Carrie, Joseph and the Tenchincolor Dreamcoat)- and Miles Henderson as Sophie and Sky. Mazz Murray continues to star in the show as Donna.
Judy Craymer, the stage show’s creator and global producer, and who will be co-executive producing the TV show, said in a press statement: “Mamma Mia! has always been a show that has encouraged young actors and given opportunities to those making their stage debuts – just as our current Sophie and Sky in London (Meg Hateley and Miles Henderson) are making their West End debuts – so it feels the perfect fit for a TV show that will seek out new talent for musical theatre. In the lead-up to the celebrations for the stage musical’s 25th birthday in 2024, we’re really looking forward to working with Thames and ITV on this show and involving our well-loved musical as much as possible in the programme.”
Amelia Brown, Managing Director of Thames, said: “The excitement we have for making this show is like no other – it’s a dream come true for so many of us at Thames. Merging the global brand of Mamma Mia! and all the talent at Littlestar with the power behind the talent show juggernauts such as Britain’s Got Talent will mean it’s a show that can’t be missed.”
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Comissioning at ITV said: “Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream is everything we could want in an entertainment show – legendary music, an iconic West End theatre show, high energy performances, and a brand new search for talent, set against the backdrop of a gorgeous island.”
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream is executive produced by Amelia Brown, Charlie Irwin and Ashley Whitehouse for Thames (a Fremantle label) and Judy Craymer for Littlestar. The show is commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, Lily Wilson, Commissioning Editor for ITV and Louise Major, Commissioning Editor for ITV.
Book tickets to Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre in London
Novello Theatre, London
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